Amanda Abbington has broken her silence on the Giovanni Pernice misconduct allegations as she claims dancer was ‘abusive, cruel and mean.’
Speaking in her first interview since quitting Strictly Come Dancing in October, the actress said the professional’s behaviour was ‘unnecessary.’
Amanda abruptly left the BBC show citing ‘personal issues’ and hasn’t been seen on screen since, even quitting social media last month in the wake of her former dance partner’s sacking.
In an interview with The Sun, she said: ‘I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
‘I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.’
Amanda Abbington has broken her silence on the Giovanni Pernice misconduct allegations as she claims dancer was ‘abusive, cruel and mean’
Amanda continued: ‘It’s insane what has happened to me, with the death threats and backlash. I know the BBC have known about his behaviour for years, people had complained about him and flagged his behaviour to producers in the past and nothing was done. It wasn’t an isolated experience with me. I should never ever have danced with him.’
MailOnline has contacted the BBC and Giovanni’s representative for comment.
